Bulova Mini Lunar Pilot 96K111 & 98K112

A Moon‑Watch Legacy Reimagined

Few watches carry a spacefaring legacy as compelling as the Bulova Lunar Pilot. The story begins in 1971 during Apollo 15, when astronaut David Scott’s NASA‑issued Omega Speedmaster malfunctioned—prompting him to strap on his personal Bulova prototype chronograph for his second lunar EVA.

That same watch resurfaced in 2015 and stunned the horological world when it sold at auction for $1.3 million, instantly solidifying the “Moon Watch” legend in Bulova history.

Fast forward to today, and Bulova continues to evolve that legacy with two resized models: the Lunar Pilot “Mini” 96K111 (black dial) and 98K112 (ivory‑textured dial with navy accents). These references shrink the iconic Lunar Pilot format into a more wearable size—while preserving the unmistakable heritage design DNA that made the original such a cult favorite.

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A Smaller Case Size with a Bigger Wearing Appeal

One of the strongest criticisms of the earlier Lunar Pilot reissue was its 45mm case, which, while visually striking, excluded many wrists from enjoying the watch comfortably. Collectors often noted that the 45mm wore smaller—more like a 42mm - but many still hesitated due to the specs.

Bulova listened.

The new Mini Lunar Pilots measures 43.5mm, but due to its compact lugs and flattened case profile, it wears closer to a 41mm on-wrist—finally making the Moon‑watch experience accessible to a wider audience.

Case Highlights

• 43.5mm width (down from 45mm)

• Short, compact lugs for exceptional comfort that hugs the wrist

• Flat brushed steel finishing, inspired by late‑60s and early‑70s tool watches

• Fixed tachymeter bezel

• Slim, wing-shaped pushers reminiscent of shuttle fins

The pushers are especially distinctive—long, slim, and slightly flared—giving the watch a space‑age silhouette unlike any other modern chronograph.

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Dial Options: Black or Ivory, Both True to the Lunar Spirit

Both the 96K111 and 98K112 retain the core tri‑compax layout that connects them directly to the Apollo mission watch—but with one major visual improvement: no date window.

This cleaner layout gives the dial a purer instrument aesthetic, much closer to what you’d expect strapped to a space suit.

96K111 — Black Dial

• Classic Lunar Pilot look

• High contrast white markers

• Deep black subdials

• The closest to the traditional steel reissue

98K112 — Ivory Dial with Navy Accents

• Textured off‑white surface

• Rich navy blue hands and subdials

• Retro-futuristic aesthetic

• Legibility remains excellent despite the warmer tone

Both dials maintain superb readability—whether under indoor light, direct sun, or the glow of cockpit instruments.

 

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Inside the Case: The Space‑Ready NP20 High‑Precision Quartz

The heart of the Mini Lunar Pilot is Bulova’s NP20 high‑precision quartz movement, an evolution of the brand’s famous 262 kHz quartz technology.

NP20 Movement Features

• 262 kHz frequency (8× faster than standard 32 kHz quartz)

• Three‑prong quartz resonator for exceptional stability

• 1/20th‑of‑a‑second chronograph precision

• Butter-smooth sweeping chronograph seconds hand

• Rapid 1/10‑second spinning subdial at 3 o’clock

• Accurate, reliable lithium battery

This movement doesn’t just nod to the historic Bulova worn on the Moon—it modernizes it. The buttery sweep is mesmerizing, and the accuracy is leagues above typical quartz chronographs.

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Straps & Bracelets: A Dual‑Format Package

Each Mini Lunar Pilot ships with:

• A multi‑link stainless steel bracelet

• A matching leather NATO strap (black for 96K111, navy for 98K112)

This two‑strap setup pays tribute to the original NASA watch, which was famously worn on an extra‑long Velcro strap outside a space suit.

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Price & Value: Strong Heritage at an Accessible Price

Retail Price: $1399

Considering the heritage, tech, finishing, and completeness of the package (bracelet + leather NATO), the Mini Lunar Pilot stands out as one of the strongest chronograph values below $2,000.

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Why the Mini Lunar Pilot Matters

Bulova didn’t just shrink a best-seller—they created a more refined, more ergonomic, and more heritage-faithful version of one of the most storied chronographs in American watchmaking.

What You Get With the 96K111 & 98K112

• A wearable case size suitable for almost any wrist

• Genuine Apollo mission heritage

• A high-frequency quartz movement with unparalleled performance

• A dial design truer to the space-worn original

• Exceptional value, versatility, and storytelling

The Mini Lunar Pilot doesn’t replace the 45mm version—it perfects its formula.

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Conclusion: The Lunar Pilot for Everyone

With the release of the Bulova Mini Lunar Pilot 96K111 and 98K112, Bulova has given enthusiasts what they’ve been asking for: a Moon‑watch with real history, refined proportions, and cutting-edge performance.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a chronograph lover, or someone who values heritage-backed watchmaking at an attainable price, the new Mini Lunar Pilot models are nothing short of stellar.

Click HERE to see the full range of the BULOVA COLLECTION in stock at STARBUY.